SCRATCH Vocabulary
Scratch
A "basic programming language from MIT" designed for people to learn the basics of programming in a visual form by using colorful blocks for code.
Animation
A Scratch project with moving characters and possibly a conversation.
Game
A Scratch project with rules, a score and a win.
Programming block
A VISUAL representation of code that is written for a specific purpose.
"sensing" block
A block that allows for input from a user, or "senses" when a sprite has collided with (or touched) an edge, color, or another sprite
"pen" block
A block that can be programmed to draw lines; color can be changed on the fly
Paint editor
A tool used to draw your own sprites.
Score
A variable in a game that is used to keep track of points.
Background
An image that remains in the back of the viewing area.
Sprites
Images of people, animals, things, used in a Scratch project.
Script
Programming blocks that are LINKED together to make a sprite do/say something
"looks" block
Programs a sprite to hide or show; also used to change a sprite's costume
"sound" block
Programs sound or music; sound can be recorded
Resources
Scripts, Sprites, Backgrounds, etc... needed for a project
"control" block
Starts the action; also called a "hat" block; usually a click or press of a button
"X" and "Y" coordinates
The location of the sprite on the stage.
Costume
The same sprite in a different position or version.
Stage
The viewing area.
Collision
This results when two objects bump together.
Program (v)
To "place blocks in a certain order so specific actions take place"; it's a good idea to storyboard (plan) this part out
Reset
To change everything back to the original setting or position; to START OVER
"motion" block
Used to move a sprite one way or another; move, go to, glide, turn, etc.
"forever" block
Used to replay an action and NEVER stop.
"repeat" block
Used to replay an action for a SPECIFIC number of times; a LOOP
"if/if then" block
Used to trigger an action ONLY if another action happens FIRST; (Cause and Effect)
